Amherst Property Owners to Pay More For Not Shoveling Sidewalks

AMHERST, NY - Residents and business owners in the Town of Amherst may have to shell out more money if they don't shovel their sidewalks of snow.

The Amherst Town Board approved a resolution Tuesday allowing the town to increase fines on properties who have not cleared their sidewalks of snow.

Town official Thomas Ketchum tells 2 On Your Side Ron Plants that the town is trying a proactive approach to getting sidewalks clear. Code enforcement officers are also doing so - called mini blitzes following storms to see if property owners along certain areas like Sheridan Drive are removing snow within 24 hours. But they must also consider the issue of inspector staffing limits and how that can affect enforcement.

Right now, officials are looking at different options on enforcement; including, the town hiring a private contractor to remove the snow and billing the property owner through their taxes.

2 On Your Side will have more on this story on Channel 2 News First at 5pm.